Resilient agri-food production systems
Wageningen University & Research equips farmers, fishers and agri-food actors with science-based insights and practical tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods, efficient production and informed decision-making. Our expertise helps build a resilient, fair and future-proof food system.
A resilient food system starts with strong and adaptable primary producers. Farmers, fishers and others in the agri-food sector face growing challenges: they must produce efficiently, secure stable incomes and meet sustainability goals, all while navigating political, environmental and societal pressures.
Wageningen University & Research provides science-based insights, economic models and real-world experience to support informed decision-making. Our work enables producers, policymakers and value chain actors to strengthen production systems, improve resilience and support sustainable livelihoods.
By investing in the resilience of primary producers, we help build food systems that are fairer, more sustainable and better equipped to handle future shocks.
Discover our expertise
Expertises
Meeting sustainability goals in every agri-food sector
From dairy farming to horticulture, and from animal feed to fisheries: every agri-food sector faces the challenge and opportunity of becoming more sustainable. Wageningen University & Research supports sector organisations and policymakers with monitoring, insights, and policy advice to help build a more sustainable and resilient future of food production.
Data-driven economic insights
We address societal challenges in agriculture, food, and nature by combining economic expertise with sustainability insights. Through socio-economic analyses, data integration, and visualisation tools, we support public and private stakeholders in making well-founded decisions.
Enabling informal economies
Wageningen University & Research investigates how informal food-economies, like small traders, street vendors, transporters, midstream actors, sustain food systems in the Global South. By mapping incentives, power relations, and barriers, WUR develops tools to integrate informal actors into food policy and strengthen inclusive, resilient systems.
Multifunctional agriculture
Multifunctional agriculture is reshaping the role of farmers in society. An increasing number of agricultural entrepreneurs are combining food production with social services, such as green care, on-farm education, direct sales, agri-tourism, and nature conservation. This approach creates business models that generate not only economic returns but also social and environmental value.
Meeting sustainability goals in every agri-food sector
From dairy farming to horticulture, and from animal feed to fisheries: every agri-food sector faces the challenge and opportunity of becoming more sustainable. Wageningen University & Research supports sector organisations and policymakers with monitoring, insights, and policy advice to help build a more sustainable and resilient future of food production.
Data-driven economic insights
We address societal challenges in agriculture, food, and nature by combining economic expertise with sustainability insights. Through socio-economic analyses, data integration, and visualisation tools, we support public and private stakeholders in making well-founded decisions.
Enabling informal economies
Wageningen University & Research investigates how informal food-economies, like small traders, street vendors, transporters, midstream actors, sustain food systems in the Global South. By mapping incentives, power relations, and barriers, WUR develops tools to integrate informal actors into food policy and strengthen inclusive, resilient systems.
Multifunctional agriculture
Multifunctional agriculture is reshaping the role of farmers in society. An increasing number of agricultural entrepreneurs are combining food production with social services, such as green care, on-farm education, direct sales, agri-tourism, and nature conservation. This approach creates business models that generate not only economic returns but also social and environmental value.
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Why partner with WUR
What we offer
- Extensive Farm Sustainability Data Network
- Independent and science-based research expertise
- Broad knowledge of primary production sectors
- Renowned economic models for future scenarios
- Proven track record with ministries
Get in touch
Do you have a question regarding resilient agri-food production systems or working together with us? Please get in touch.
ir. E (Bert) van der Scheer
Programme leader Primary Sectors
Our focus areas
Policy, governance and decision-making support
We support policymakers with science-based insights for effective, inclusive and future-proof agri-food and environmental policies. Using advanced data analytics, sector expertise and scenario modelling, we help assess trade-offs, forecast impacts, and guide strategic decisions in complex food and climate systems.
Societal transformations
Wageningen University & Research supports transformative change across food systems. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors identify entry points to shift consumer behaviour, production practices and institutional systems, ensuring transformations that are sustainable, inclusive and scalable.
Resilient production systems
We equip farmers, fishers and agri-food actors with science-based insights and practical tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods, efficient production and informed decision-making. Our expertise helps build a resilient, fair and future-proof food system.
Transparent value chains
Transparency in value chains is essential for building fair and sustainable food systems. Wageningen University & Research supports businesses and policymakers by measuring and reducing environmental, social and economic impacts, enabling evidence-based decisions that contribute to a resilient and future-proof food system.
Healthy and sustainable consumption
Wageningen University & Research helps governments, businesses and NGOs design and evaluate effective strategies for healthier and more sustainable food choices. Using global consumer data and behavioural science, we support impactful interventions that contribute to a food system that benefits both people and the planet.
Nature-positive and climate-proof economies
Wageningen University & Research supports the transition to nature-positive and climate-resilient economies. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors strengthen biodiversity, reduce climate risks, and build circular, resilient systems that benefit people, planet and prosperity.
Policy, governance and decision-making support
We support policymakers with science-based insights for effective, inclusive and future-proof agri-food and environmental policies. Using advanced data analytics, sector expertise and scenario modelling, we help assess trade-offs, forecast impacts, and guide strategic decisions in complex food and climate systems.
Societal transformations
Wageningen University & Research supports transformative change across food systems. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors identify entry points to shift consumer behaviour, production practices and institutional systems, ensuring transformations that are sustainable, inclusive and scalable.
Resilient production systems
We equip farmers, fishers and agri-food actors with science-based insights and practical tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods, efficient production and informed decision-making. Our expertise helps build a resilient, fair and future-proof food system.
Transparent value chains
Transparency in value chains is essential for building fair and sustainable food systems. Wageningen University & Research supports businesses and policymakers by measuring and reducing environmental, social and economic impacts, enabling evidence-based decisions that contribute to a resilient and future-proof food system.
Healthy and sustainable consumption
Wageningen University & Research helps governments, businesses and NGOs design and evaluate effective strategies for healthier and more sustainable food choices. Using global consumer data and behavioural science, we support impactful interventions that contribute to a food system that benefits both people and the planet.
Nature-positive and climate-proof economies
Wageningen University & Research supports the transition to nature-positive and climate-resilient economies. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors strengthen biodiversity, reduce climate risks, and build circular, resilient systems that benefit people, planet and prosperity.
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